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Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #61: Precious Pets

Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life.~James Cromwell

Over the years, we’ve shared our home with a variety of pets. Each one has convinced me that a pet’s love is unconditional and generous. This is even true for our son’s hamster, appropriately named Hammy.

Now that we are living on the road, I have to content myself with “stealing” time with our friends’ pets and taking pictures of animals. My pet “collection” this week is drawn from images, old and new, taken over the past few years.

Last summer, I spotted these young women riding in London’s Hyde Park early one morning. They reminded me of my adolescent “horse phase” and how I’d read and re-read books like The Black Stallion and Misty of Chincoteague. I love the spirit and swiftness of these wonderful creatures.

Early Morning Ride. Hyde Park, London

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.~Anatole France

Several years ago, I spotted this dog outside a restaurant on our trip to San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. I loved his protective stance and the bandana tied around his neck by his loving owner.

Cave Canem. San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Shot with a Canon 70D.

Animals are such agreeable friends they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms. ~George Eliot

This yellow finch was busy feeding at Meier Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan when I shot this image. His coloration and cheerful darting from a tree to the feeder caught my eye. He reminds me of the pet bird we had when I was little.

Golden Finch, Meier Gardens, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Cats are connoisseurs of comfort. – James Herriot

Animals can always find the most comfortable spot to take a nap. This adorable gray cat was napping on a quiet side street near Santo Spirito in Florence several months ago.

Cat Nap, Santo Spirito, Florence

An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.~Martin Buber

My last image is the oldest. Our beautiful dog Max always looked for any excuse to jump into the water. When we lived on the shores of Lake Winnepesaukee in New Hampshire, he was in 7th heaven. You can tell by the look in his eyes he is hoping the game of catch will continue for a while.

Max playing catch in Lake Winnepesaukee.

Tina has given us a marvelous “excuse” this week to showcase our love of animals. Be sure to visit Tina’s blog to see her marvelous images and instructions for this week’s challenge. In your post, include a link to Tina’s original post. (Important note: Do not use links posted within the Reader because they are not working correctly.) Use the Lens-Artists tag to help us find you. For instructions on how to join us, click here.

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Great response Patti. We too gave up having pets when we decided to do extensive traveling. I’d had a dog since I was a young teen (too long ago to remember!). I do miss that greeting when I walk in the door, as well as the unfaltering devotion. Somehow tho I don’t think a hamster would do it for me LOL. My fav this week is the dog in front of the cafe in Mexico. Priceless!!

Thank you so much, Tina. :). :). I was so happy to spot that dog in San Jose del Cabo. He fit in perfectly with the mural and the entire village “scene.” I know what you mean about a dog’s devotion. The hamster was a bit of a stretch for me, but I ended up liking him after a while. :). 🙂

A lovely collection, Patti! I loved that dog in Mexico since the first time I saw it – super shot! But also the sleeping cat, where the colour scheme in itself is an art work. And I so recognize the telling eye of Max’s – Again! Again!
We travel a lot as well, but are fortunate in having our children or other friends to have them then.

Such sweet photos! I also have a soft spot for Lake Winnipesaukee – we vacationed there at a camp/conference center for 20 years when our kids were young. It’s beautiful. Playing catch there must have been great fun!

Hi! I’m so happy to hear you know that beautiful spot. It was a great place to spend the summer. So beautiful. Yes, Max loved playing catch there. He was very uncertain about walking on the ice in the winter, but it was so thick that people would race SUV trucks on the lake! Light planes would land there too. Crazy!

A beautiful sequence Patti, Max looks so happy in the water! It was lovely to see the horses and riders in Hyde Park too – we used to ride out there early mornings in our younger years and it brought back happy memories xxx